New strawberry’s chock full of phytochemical

Scientists have bred a new variety of strawberry and report it has twice as much of a phytochemical as commercial varieties.

The health benefits of fruit and vegetables are in part due to the presence of phytochemicals, which have been reported to have anti-cardiovascular disease, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-hypertensive properties, the researchers say.

“Breeding programs have traditionally been used to develop increased disease resistance and plant adaptability,” says University of Queensland researcher Kent Fanning. “However in recent years, interest in developing new varieties for health-related benefits has increased.”